RIYADH — The Kingdom's education sector is witnessing unprecedented qualitative leap thanks to the utmost keenness of the government in making huge investments in human resources development, Deputy Minister of Education Muhammad Al-Auhali has said. The minister made the remark while inaugurating the first international conference and exhibition on training and development at the Convention Center of Princess Noura Bint Abdulrahman University (PNU) here on Monday. More than 30 internationally-renowned speakers are addressing the three-day event, which will have 21 scientific sessions to discuss seven themes, in addition to 12 workshops. Al-Auhali said that the conference is being held as part of PNU's strategic plan and active coordination with the ministry's goals for the development of university education. "The ministry's basic goals are aimed at making available more opportunities in the educational and training sectors and diversifying methods and specializations, besides contributing actively to the production of knowledge so as to achieve requirements of the society. Universities have a great role to play in the production and development of knowledge through education, training, scientific research, in addition to the role in the development of society and making bridges of partnership with various sectors," he said. According to Al-Auhali, the conference will add qualitative dimensions to the universities and educational institutions in the Kingdom by giving an impetus to the element of human resources development and strengthening pioneering roles at a time when the Kingdom is striving to transform into a knowledge-based society, which can generate knowledge and convert it into high quality products contributing to the development process. "The ministry is giving first and foremost priority to quality and human resources development," he added. PNU President Huda Al-Ameel said the university is giving top priority to training and skills development. "PNU believes that investments in making human being is a stellar pillar in building civilizations and progress of the community. Being a women-only university, PNU is striving to exert all its efforts and capabilities to support upgrading the quality of higher education for women and strengthening the efficiency of its graduates in a way fulfilling the aspirations of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman. She noted that the university is always moving toward excellence and put a stamping on the higher education for women through applying the best ever strategies to merge values of education, research, participation and social responsibility, in addition to continuous strategic development for academic programs. "It also strives to implement academic participation with the world class higher educational institutions around the world," she said adding that the university is holding conferences, seminars, scientific and cultural activities aimed at developing talent and capabilities of the students and sharpening their skills so as to enable them to meet the present day challenges.
